This isn't a trip report per-se, but was a report on major impending MnDOT road projects for 2001. I posted the report on November 15, 2000.
Taking a cue from Chris Bessert, I've compiled a listing of major MnDOT
projects for 2001:
- Reconstruction of the infamous "Crosstown Commons" (I-35W/MN 62) will begin,
and will be at least a 2-3 year job. Once completed, I-35W will be separated
from MN 62 (finally), and will have an additional lane each direction (to be an
HOV during rush hours), for a total of 3 each direction from MN 13 to MN 62, and
4 each direction from MN 62 to the MN 65 split near downtown Minneapolis.
[Editor's Note: This particular version of the Crosstown Commons
project was delayed by the 2001 Legislature, with MnDOT given a Legislative
directive to redesign the project with additional capacity and fewer long-term
ramp/road closures (this version had parts of MN 62 closed for upwards of 4
years). The redesigned Crosstown Commons begins construction in Summer,
2007.]
- Bridge replacement of the Ford Bridge over the Mississippi River (not sure how
this'll work)
- Reconstruction of the I-94/694 and Hemlock Lane interchange in Maple Grove.
- Construction of a loop from SB MN 25 to EB I-94 in Monticello (this is a major
commuter movement, and currently backs up the south ramp junction on MN 25 every
rush hour).
- 2 locations on eastbound I-90 will receive new concrete pavement: from MN 13
to Petran, and from US 61 to the Mississippi River
- Concrete rehabilitation on I-94 from MN 120 to the St. Croix River
- Continuing reconstruction/upgrade on MN 100 from I-394 to north of MN 55. MN
100 is in the process of being upgraded from a 4 lane expressway to a 6 lane
freeway between I-394 and CR 81, with a 4-lane freeway north of CR 81, with
completion somewhere around 2005. This construction is part of that.
- Completion of the MN 23/US 71 bypass from a "semi-super-2" to a full 4-lane
freeway
- Beginning 4-laning of MN 23 from I-94 southwest to near Rockville.
- Completing the 4-laning of MN 60 from Brewster to Heron Lake
- Interchange construction at MN 55/MN 62
- Various projects (mostly overlays) along MN 61 along the North Shore (between
Duluth and Canada)
- A new Mississippi River bridge and 6-laning of MN 610 between MN 252 and US
10, as well as beginning ROW acquisition for MN 610 between US 169 and I-94
- Reconstruction of US 12 between Howard Lake and Montrose in Wright County.
MnDOT's long-range plan for US 12 is to provide an "Improved-2" between Willmar
and the western Twin Cities metro, with wide shoulders, turn lanes, passing
lanes, and access management. There is local opposition to a 4-lane route, hence
why MnDOT is pursuing an improved 2-lane design.
- Pavement reconstruction, adding a truck climing, and constructing a new
interchange (at CR 3) on the Mankato side of the Mankato Bypass. Pavement
work on the North Mankato side of the bypass was done this year.
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